I have a Canadian Bell S3 i747m which broke and I got some random guy to fix it for me. He frustratingly ended up installing a ROGERS circuit board(or so he says) without bothering to check the fact my phone was loaded with Bell bloatware or just asking me my carrier.
I now need to unlock the SIM in order to use it properly and I just want to be sure I have the correct information and I don't end up paying for an unlock code that will not work since I didn't provide the proper carrier.
My SIM card (not sure if that matters): BELL
My board/IMEI: ROGERS (Apparently)
I wanted to determine which carrier I was tied to but I see 0 bloatware in my phone which makes me think the guy is wrong/lying and it's not actually a Rogers board. Is there another way to determine which carrier my phone is tied to?
Cyclone112 said:
I have a Canadian Bell S3 i747m which broke and I got some random guy to fix it for me. He frustratingly ended up installing a ROGERS circuit board(or so he says) without bothering to check the fact my phone was loaded with Bell bloatware or just asking me my carrier.
I now need to unlock the SIM in order to use it properly and I just want to be sure I have the correct information and I don't end up paying for an unlock code that will not work since I didn't provide the proper carrier.
My SIM card (not sure if that matters): BELL
My board/IMEI: ROGERS (Apparently)
I wanted to determine which carrier I was tied to but I see 0 bloatware in my phone which makes me think the guy is wrong/lying and it's not actually a Rogers board. Is there another way to determine which carrier my phone is tied to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The carrier doesn't matter. Once unlocked, it's unlocked for every carrier (unless it's unlocked by code).
You could go check the APN to see which carrier it's from.
BWolf56 said:
The carrier doesn't matter. Once unlocked, it's unlocked for every carrier (unless it's unlocked by code).
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Click to collapse
Oh really? I was looking at the gsmliberty site for unlocking and it asks for a carrier. I can't post the link since I'm a new account but here it is split:
gsmliberty(dot)net/shop/samsung-galaxy-s3-unlock-codes-p-3528.html
I then went into their Terms of Service and it specifies that if I provide an incorrect carrier and the unlock code doesn't work then I won't get a refund. Does this mean this site is BS and I should avoid it and find another?
EDIT: Oh I see you added info about checking the APN. Don't know what that is but I'll Google it. Assuming I find it should I still avoid gsmliberty or should I give them a shot?
BWolf56 said:
The carrier doesn't matter. Once unlocked, it's unlocked for every carrier (unless it's unlocked by code).
You could go check the APN to see which carrier it's from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to Settings > Connections > More networks > Mobile Networks and it tells me this: Insert SIM card to access network services
EDIT: Ok I finally found the AP and CSC by dialing *#1234# and then comparing it to sammobiles firmware to find out which carrier it is tied to. Still worried about the fact I get the SIM error above but hopefully that will go away when I attempt to unlock it
Cyclone112 said:
I went to Settings > Connections > More networks > Mobile Networks and it tells me this: Insert SIM card to access network services
EDIT: Maybe I'm looking at the wrong spot. Here is my phone's about in case that helps:
View attachment 2807396
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Click to collapse
Umm I though you'd have access to it w/o a sim card.
I'm not sure how else you could determine which carrier the motherboard is locked to.
BWolf56 said:
Umm I though you'd have access to it w/o a sim card.
I'm not sure how else you could determine which carrier the motherboard is locked to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just ended up editing my last post a minute before you posted this. I did determine the carrier and it is in fact Rogers. I was planning on just getting an unlock code through a website. You mentioned that means it will only be unlocked for them which I'm fine with but I'm just concerned about the fact I have a Bell SIM. Will that cause any problems with the unlock process or future dealings with BELL?
Actually I have a better question. Can I just put Bell's firmware on my phone instead of Rogers using Odin and then get an unlock for Bell and theoretically I'll be back to where I was?
What bootloader is on the phone? If you have the 4.3 bootloader, you'll have to buy an unlock code. If you have the 4.1.1 bootloader and you are running a stock ROM (doesn't matter about the carrier), you can use the free method to unlock it. If you have the 4.1.2 bootloader, downgrade to the Rogers 4.1.1 ROM and unlock it using the free method.
audit13 said:
What bootloader is on the phone? If you have the 4.3 bootloader, you'll have to buy an unlock code. If you have the 4.1.1 bootloader and you are running a stock ROM (doesn't matter about the carrier), you can use the free method to unlock it. If you have the 4.1.2 bootloader, downgrade to the Rogers 4.1.1 ROM and unlock it using the free method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running 4.3 so I know I need an unlock code unfortunately. I have a Bell SIM card but have Rogers firmware. The site I was looking to buy an unlock code from asks for my carrier so I presume I need to use Rogers. Will that be fine or am I able to just throw Bell firmware on my phone and buy an unlock code specifying Bell as my carrier?
I am not sure of you can load the stock Bell firmware and change the phone so it is locked to Bell. If this were the case, owners could switch carriers by flashing different firmware.
Cyclone112 said:
I just ended up editing my last post a minute before you posted this. I did determine the carrier and it is in fact Rogers. I was planning on just getting an unlock code through a website. You mentioned that means it will only be unlocked for them which I'm fine with but I'm just concerned about the fact I have a Bell SIM. Will that cause any problems with the unlock process or future dealings with BELL?
Actually I have a better question. Can I just put Bell's firmware on my phone instead of Rogers using Odin and then get an unlock for Bell and theoretically I'll be back to where I was?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking is permanent and unlocks to every carrier. Knowing which one you're locked to only matters to get a unlock code, after that, it's free for all.
BWolf56 said:
Unlocking is permanent and unlocks to every carrier. Knowing which one you're locked to only matters to get a unlock code, after that, it's free for all.
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Click to collapse
Gotcha, so there's no point in flashing Bell firmware at all. I just need the correct one for getting an unlock code in the first place. Thanks for helping a noob out.
Related
Anyone unlock one of these? I seem to remember reading somewhere a few months back Bell (who now owns virgin) saying they will never unlock it.
However I see that there are "WWE" branded unlocks for my version, wtf?
Here is the url of the exact phone I have - http://www.virginmobile.ca/en/phones/phone-details.html?model=HTCWILD&colour=White
Please no "I unlocked my DerpCellular wfs, you can too!!" stupidity that most of these threads digress into, either you have the exact phone or not. Anyone who lives in Canada and deals with Bell will understand why this needs to be asked
Hey, another virgin canada user.
i have that exact phone (same colour too) with virgin. Mine unlocked just fine via the htcdev unlock. You just need to select the "Bell Mobility WWE" RUU when unlocking it.
unlocked and rooted. bye bye useless bell apps.
be sure to notice that the unlock does a factory reset. back your stuff (contacts!) up before you start on it.
So when you say unlocked using the DEV tool, does that mean its network and sim unlocked? Also just curious, I have a Bell SIM card, can I use this in this phone without unlocking the network/sim?
jhong88 said:
So when you say unlocked using the DEV tool, does that mean its network and sim unlocked? Also just curious, I have a Bell SIM card, can I use this in this phone without unlocking the network/sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, the htcdev bit only unlocks the bootloader. the sim lock and all the other bits of s-on remain in place. you'll need an xtc clip or an unlock code if you want the ditch the network shackles.
as for the virgin->bell, no idea. there seems to be conflicting information on whether bell/virgin sims are interchangeable or not. some people report it works, other report it doesn't.
compro01 said:
Hey, another virgin canada user.
i have that exact phone (same colour too) with virgin. Mine unlocked just fine via the htcdev unlock. You just need to select the "Bell Mobility WWE" RUU when unlocking it.
unlocked and rooted. bye bye useless bell apps.
be sure to notice that the unlock does a factory reset. back your stuff (contacts!) up before you start on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent, I was NOT expecting to be able to do this.
And now for a stupid question, what is a good way to back everything up for a quick reinstall?
AFAIK, There isn't one really, other than exporting your contacts and writing down all your apps names, as all the real useful backup methods require root.
OTOH, unless you like customizing extensively, it should only take a day or two to get things back to normal.
sent from my rooted wildfire s
How do I unlock the phone? I currently have Cm11 on it.
I want to ditch rogers (terrible service) so what do I need to do to unlock it?
side note, when I got the phone it was via future-shop warranty and they gave me a fido version and put my rogers sim in it, did they unlock it then?
SpacePotato said:
How do I unlock the phone? I currently have Cm11 on it.
I want to ditch rogers (terrible service) so what do I need to do to unlock it?
side note, when I got the phone it was via future-shop warranty and they gave me a fido version and put my rogers sim in it, did they unlock it then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since Fido is really owned by Rogers, your Rogers SIM may work in the phone if it was originally locked to Fido. To check whether it's unlocked or not, try putting in a non-compatible SIM (like Bell or Telus) and see whether it prompts you for an unlock code. If it does, you would need to purchase a code online or request one from the carrier. If it wasn't on Android 4.3 prior to the CM11 installation, you may be able to install stock Android 4.1.1 and free unlock. Either way, whether you are free unlocking or using an unlock code, you have to be on a stock ROM for it work. You can check your phone's settings and see what baseband and bootloader versions you have. This will tell us know whether you should flash stock 4.1.1 or 4.3
Larry2999 said:
Since Fido is really owned by Rogers, your Rogers SIM may work in the phone if it was originally locked to Fido. To check whether it's unlocked or not, try putting in a non-compatible SIM (like Bell or Telus) and see whether it prompts you for an unlock code. If it does, you would need to purchase a code online or request one from the carrier. If it wasn't on Android 4.3 prior to the CM11 installation, you may be able to install stock Android 4.1.1 and free unlock. Either way, whether you are free unlocking or using an unlock code, you have to be on a stock ROM for it work. You can check your phone's settings and see what baseband and bootloader versions you have. This will tell us know whether you should flash stock 4.1.1 or 4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Baseband is I747MVLUEMK5 bootloader I have no idea, I just used odin to flash CWM.
I'm open to flashing 4.1 to get a free unlock then going back to CM11
SpacePotato said:
Baseband is I747MVLUEMK5 bootloader I have no idea, I just used odin to flash CWM.
I'm open to flashing 4.1 to get a free unlock then going back to CM11
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I747MVLUEMK5 is ver. 4.3 and you almost certainly have the 4.3 bootloader as well. With this, unfortunately, you can't downgrade to 4.1.1 where the free unlock option is available as any attempt to do this could brick your phone. You would need to request an unlock code from the carrier, if eligible, or purchase one online. There have been reports also that the unlock codes don't work when you are on a custom ROM so if you buy one online and it doesn't work, you will have to flash stock 4.3.
Larry2999 said:
I747MVLUEMK5 is ver. 4.3 and you almost certainly have the 4.3 bootloader as well. With this, unfortunately, you can't downgrade to 4.1.1 where the free unlock option is available as any attempt to do this could brick your phone. You would need to request an unlock code from the carrier, if eligible, or purchase one online. There have been reports also that the unlock codes don't work when you are on a custom ROM so if you buy one online and it doesn't work, you will have to flash stock 4.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, which carrier would I have to talk to, it was a fido phone as mentioned previously. Also is their a possibility I could downgrade to 4.1, or is it a guaranteed brick?
SpacePotato said:
ok, which carrier would I have to talk to, it was a fido phone as mentioned previously. Also is their a possibility I could downgrade to 4.1, or is it a guaranteed brick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would need to contact Fido since it was originally on their network. I'm afraid nobody has yet posted a method to allow you successfully downgrade to 4.1.1 and still preserve the free unlock functionality. You could follow some instructions posted in this forum to downgrade to 4.1.1. However, this wouldn't allow you downgrade the bootloader/modem which is required for the unlock.
Larry2999 said:
You would need to contact Fido since it was originally on their network. I'm afraid nobody has yet posted a method to allow you successfully downgrade to 4.1.1 and still preserve the free unlock functionality. You could follow some instructions posted in this forum to downgrade to 4.1.1. However, this wouldn't allow you downgrade the bootloader/modem which is required for the unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thanks.
Larry2999 said:
I747MVLUEMK5 is ver. 4.3 and you almost certainly have the 4.3 bootloader as well. With this, unfortunately, you can't downgrade to 4.1.1 where the free unlock option is available as any attempt to do this could brick your phone. You would need to request an unlock code from the carrier, if eligible, or purchase one online. There have been reports also that the unlock codes don't work when you are on a custom ROM so if you buy one online and it doesn't work, you will have to flash stock 4.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found a way to downgrade from 4.3 to 4.1.1 or 4.0.4 stock. (for Bell).
I bought and used Mobile Odin (available on the play store). Anyhow, it flashes the stock rom and not the old bootloaders. Once you're on 4.1.1 or 4.0.4 the problem is that *#197328640# no longer works. Basically when you type that ServiceMode comes up, but all the options are gone. I believe this is because they locked those features on the new bootloader (which is still on the phone after the Mobile Odin downgrade...)
Unlocking this phone has become a major pain in the ass.
htc_softbank said:
I found a way to downgrade from 4.3 to 4.1.1 or 4.0.4 stock. (for Bell).
I bought and used Mobile Odin (available on the play store). Anyhow, it flashes the stock rom and not the old bootloaders. Once you're on 4.1.1 or 4.0.4 the problem is that *#197328640# no longer works. Basically when you type that ServiceMode comes up, but all the options are gone. I believe this is because they locked those features on the new bootloader (which is still on the phone after the Mobile Odin downgrade...)
Unlocking this phone has become a major pain in the ass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are quite right. Sam and the networks are winning this time. You can indeed use Mobile Odin to downgrade the system (ROM). However, there hasn't been any reports of a successful downgrade of the bootloader. Therefore, even if you downgrade without bricking the phone, you can't free unlock. Tough but you will need a carrier unlock code.
Hello all,
I have a Samsung Galaxy S III from AT&T.
I plan on traveling so, I wanted to unlock it. I followed the steps on Android 4.1.1 I believe and it seemed to work (my menus looked identical to the tutorial I followed, but I don't have another SIM to test with). But, I have had the phone for a while and it is really sluggish, so I backed it up and decided to do a hard reset. The phone is running much smoother now, but I did do an AT&T software update which brought it to Android 4.3, and now when I look at the menu after typing *#197328640# and following the steps, when I get to Network Unlock, it looks different. Did the update relock my phone to the AT&T network. Is there a way to verify? Should I just hard reset again and stick with 4.1? Pleas let me know as soon as possible as I am traveling soon.
Thanks for all the help
If your phone was unlocked using any method, it should not relock. You can test it with a non att sim.
audit13 said:
If your phone was unlocked using any method, it should not relock. You can test it with a non att sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I test if I don't have access to a non ATT sim, I have one Korean SIM card, but I don't know how to test with it because it is not currently being serviced.
Put in the non-ATT sim, power up the phone. If it does not ask you to enter an network or carrier unlock code, the phone is unlocked.
audit13 said:
Put in the non-ATT sim, power up the phone. If it does not ask you to enter an network or carrier unlock code, the phone is unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it shows no signal, but does not ask me for a network or a code. So it should be fine right?
I have a "carrier-locked" ATT note 10 (SM-N975UZKEATT) that I would like to use on Tmobile.
1) Is the only thing required to get the phone working with Tmobile a carrier flash? Do you really no longer need to unlock the device (carrier unlock)?
2) any guides that show this process from att to tmobile?
Thanks
rogue1ne said:
I have a "carrier-locked" ATT note 10 (SM-N975UZKEATT) that I would like to use on Tmobile.
1) Is the only thing required to get the phone working with Tmobile a carrier flash? Do you really no longer need to unlock the device (carrier unlock)?
2) any guides that show this process from att to tmobile?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You still need to get your device carrier unlocked before it will work on another carrier.
BladeRunner said:
You still need to get your device carrier unlocked before it will work on another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification
rogue1ne said:
I have a "carrier-locked" ATT note 10 (SM-N975UZKEATT) that I would like to use on Tmobile.
1) Is the only thing required to get the phone working with Tmobile a carrier flash? Do you really no longer need to unlock the device (carrier unlock)?
2) any guides that show this process from att to tmobile?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding a little more to this:
1.) As an option (if preferred) you can most likely just keep the firmware installed on the phone and use it as it is. Tmobile is rather friendly with BYOD compared to AT&T. The phone will reconfigure some settings based on the settings that the Tmobile SIM card will have on it. Once unlocked just put the Tmobile sim card in and that should be all it takes. You may need to double check the APN settings though to make sure they are complete and accurate.
2.) Just look/search/research and you will find the multitude of discussions and tutorials on this. The process is the same as on the S9+. You won't have any problems finding out how to do this.
I got a new phone, the LM-G820UM AT&T version. I followed this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tutorial-crossflash-bypass-opid-mismatched-error.4345963/ to flash the stock firmware. With my SIM card in it says "network locked", it doesn't prompt for the unlock code. I have the unlock code and I've tried the various unlock commands (2945#*71001# and 2945#*20001#), but nothing comes up when I do these. Do I need to get it back to the AT&T firmware to be able to unlock it? If so, how can I do this?
gunnerone007 said:
I got a new phone, the LM-G820UM AT&T version. I followed this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tutorial-crossflash-bypass-opid-mismatched-error.4345963/ to flash the stock firmware. With my SIM card in it says "network locked", it doesn't prompt for the unlock code. I have the unlock code and I've tried the various unlock commands (2945#*71001# and 2945#*20001#), but nothing comes up when I do these. Do I need to get it back to the AT&T firmware to be able to unlock it? If so, how can I do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, yeah, that's unfortunate. First, yes, it's the at&t firmware that the unlock code works with, not any other firmware.
second, at&t doesn't make their kdz available, so you have no easy way to get back to their firmware.
you might get lucky and find someone who has backed up all their partitions from at&t. Then u would flash ea one back via qfil.
Important lesson: don't buy a locked phone. if u get a locked phone, don't to anything to the firmware until u unlock the phone.
cheers
@AsItLies would this phone work in it's current state with AT&T?
gunnerone007 said:
@AsItLies would this phone work in it's current state with AT&T?
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Click to collapse
To the best of my knowledge, no. At&t is one of the carriers that has restrictions for their networks. Last I read (have never used them personally), they only allow phones that have their IMEI (they check that), and it's using their ROM, to access volte and vowifi.
so, would it work? yes and no. Volte and Vowifi may or may not be important to you.
Additionally, I'm absolutely no expert with at&t, so u might just try and find out, my info could be outdated.